Search form

Search form

Dr. Karl Blume, a pioneer in bone marrow transplantation, has died at age 75. Blume helped start City of Hope research hospital's bone marrow transplant program and was the first editor of the journal Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. "He was one of the pioneers in the development of (stem cell) transplantation as a potential cure for people with leukemia," said Dr. Stephen J. Forman of City of Hope.

Related Summaries

Dr. D. Keith Cooper died last week at his home in Robertsdale, Ala. Cooper was an active DC for 57 years and a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic. Cooper, a well-known philanthropist in his community, promoted a healthy lifestyle and was a founding member of the Robertsdale Rotary Club.

World War II veteran-turned gaming pioneer Burton Cohen died in his sleep on Tuesday at age 90. Cohen held leadership positions for Las Vegas casinos including the Flamingo and Caesars Palace; was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame in 1995; and served on the board of directors for MGM Resorts International. "He was a courageous man and an innovator who quickly rose to the top of our industry ranks, and played an instrumental role in the growth of tourism in Nevada over many decades," said Jim Murren, chairman of MGM Resorts, in a statement.

William H. Portman, a former chief executive of the Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh, has died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at the age of 65. Portman helped create a centralized blood bank in the Pittsburgh area in the 1980s. He was an AABB Legacy member.

Researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles are working on a gene therapy for bone marrow stem cells that could allow patients with sickle cell disease, who do not have a bone marrow match, to receive transplants using their own modified bone marrow. The treatment involves the addition of an anti-sickling gene in patients' hematopoietic stem cells. Researchers hope to initiate human trials in 2014. Their work is outlined in an online report in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Dr. Michael Beirne, founder of the Blood Bank of Alaska in 1962, has died at age 86. "Thanks to the work of Dr. Beirne and his staff, Blood Bank of Alaska is helping Alaska patients in need each and every day," Blood Bank of Alaska CEO Bob Scanlon said. "We are grateful for his contribution and are saddened to have lost a member of our life-saving team."